SP Scientific has worked with Bioquell, based in Andover, UK, to produce an off-the-shelf surface sterilisation/decontamination system for SP freeze dryers.
Traditionally, freeze dryers have used steam for sterilisation, but working with steam means that the freeze dryers are exposed to many different stresses and strains. SP Scientific, in conjunction with Bioquell, claims to have developed an equally effective and less expensive solution to perform surface sterilisation/decontamination of freeze dryers using hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV).
HPV is well established as a bio-decontamination agent due to its broad spectrum efficacy and its ability to inactivate rapidly the most resilient micro-organisms. The residue-free nature of HPV – it breaks down to oxygen and water vapour – and low temperature, vapour-phase application increases the practicality of the process, says SP Scientific.
Bioquell’s HPV technology has been tested and proven effective against many organisms including bacteria, bacterial endospores, viruses, bacteriophage, fungi, nematodes and protozoa.
Surface sterilisation/decontamination using the HPV system is quick. Typically, lab scale freeze dryers can be sterilised in 1–2 hours, pilot scale freeze dryers in 2–3 hours and production scale models in less than four hours.
The HPV system is easy-to-use and simply integrated with the SP Scientific freeze dryer without the need for excessive external piping or critical utilities that are commonly required to support steam sterilisers, the company says.
Configurable to freeze drying needs the HPV surface sterilisation/decontamination system is economical to use and easy to maintain. Operating with automated gassing cycles ensures process repeatability and consistency.
